Thirty Steps to Heaven: The Ladder of Divine Ascent for All Walks of Life

Many laypeople have attempted to read the great spiritual classic, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, but have been frustrated in attempting to apply the lessons of this monastic text to their everyday lives in the world. In Thirty Steps, Archimandrite Vassilios interprets the Ladder for the ordinary Christian without sacrificing any of its beauty and power. Now you too canMany laypeople have attempted to read the great spiritual classic, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, but have been frustrated in attempting to apply the lessons of this monastic text to their everyday lives in the world. In Thirty Steps, Archimandrite Vassilios interprets the Ladder for the ordinary Christian without sacrificing any of its beauty and power. Now you too can accept the challenge offered by St. John Climacus to ascend closer to God with each passing day....more

Community Reviews

This meditation on the Ladder of Ascent is marvelous. The title sounds as if it's some extended 12-step (30-step?) program or road to heaven, but it is not. Mystics plumb their own spiritual life in the context of liturgy, patristics, their own context as well as the guide from any psiritual guide. This provides the basic bedrock on which to review the truth of one's spiritual progress or context.

Before I review, Thirty Steps to Heaven, I think I should clarify what The Ladder of Divine Ascent is for those unfamiliar with it. The Ladder is an ascetical treatise, intended for monastics, on how to obtain salvation. It was written in the 7th Century by Fr. John of Sinai (also known as Climacus, meaning of the Ladder), and is traditionally read by monastics every Great Lent. There are currently two versions in print. I prefer the one from Holy Transfiguration Monastery as it is a niceBefore I review, Thirty Steps to Heaven, I think I should clarify what The Ladder of Divine Ascent is for those unfamiliar with it. The Ladder is an ascetical treatise, intended for monastics, on how to obtain salvation. It was written in the 7th Century by Fr. John of Sinai (also known as Climacus, meaning of the Ladder), and is traditionally read by monastics every Great Lent. There are currently two versions in print. I prefer the one from Holy Transfiguration Monastery as it is a nice hardcover, has verse numbers and has other useful texts inside. The other version is printed by Paulist Press and contains an introduction by Metropolitan Kallistos Ware, possibly worth buying just for the introduction. Fr. Papavassiliou, the author of Thirty Steps to Heaven, chose the Paulist Press edition for quoting in his book.

Knowing this about The Ladder of Divine Ascent, why would a non-monastic want to read this book? Better yet, how could he ever hope to understand it or apply it to his life? Enter Fr. Papavassiliou and his wonderful book, Thirty Steps to Heaven. Aimed at the non-monastic, this book takes excerpts from the thirty rungs of The Ladder and then applies them to one's daily life. The first thing I like about this book is how the author divides the rungs of The Ladder into seven sections:

Doing this not only provides logical breaks, but it also focuses the reader's mind on the goal of each section as they ascend The Ladder. I must admit that the first section alone, The Break with the World, was enough to knock me to my knees. These first three steps focus on detachment from the world, renunciation (or not longing from the world you just detached yourself from), and exile (or humility and not seeking glory in anything we do). After reading these steps, I experienced both a longing to climb these three steps and doubt on whether or not I was able to.

Another thing I appreciate about this book is that it can be read as a stand-alone book, not just in conjunction with The Ladder. With extensive quotes, an easily-read explanation of each rung, and a humble tone, Fr. Papavassiliou makes this difficult ascetical treatise available to the laity, like myself. I think the step that hit home the most for me dealt with talkativeness. "Talkativeness is the throne of vainglory on which it loves to preen itself and show off. Talkativeness is a sign of ignorance, a doorway to slander, a leader of jesting..." The quote goes on to further tell the evils of talkativeness, and all I keep thinking to myself is, Amen. Teach me intelligent silence, Lord.

I find myself picking up this book and re-reading the same step several times per day, letting more knowledge sink in each time. I will soon pick up The Ladder again, with this book by its side, and read with hopefully a little less frustration and a little more understanding. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all, no matter if you are Orthodox, Catholic, or Protestant. It is the perfect book for Lent, but can honestly be read at any time of the year. May we all ascend The Ladder which leads to Paradise. Also, be sure to purchase, Fr. Papavassiliou's next book, Meditations for Holy Week. There's a preview in the back of this book, and it looks just as awesome as Meditations for Advent and Meditations for Great Lent....more

I read this book at the same time as I read John Climacus: The Ladder of Divine Ascent. I found it a really helpful companion to understanding each of the steps St. John Climacus writes about as well as how to adapt them to 1) life today and 2) life as a non-monastic.

I highly recommend this to anyone who is approaching John Climacus: The Ladder of Divine Ascent for the first time. This will make reading that treasure trove of wisdom much easier and much more fruitful for one's spiritual life.

Probably for most of us reading THE LADDER OF DIVINE ASCENT really is spiritually a step over our heads. Besides it was written by a monk and for monks, not really for the average parishioner. Archimandrite Vassilios brings the book down from heaven to earth and makes its themes accessible to our daily lives in the 21st Century. Those who like the depth of THE LADDER will find it perhaps too much on a popular level, but for many parishioners it will be a good introduction to this literature andProbably for most of us reading THE LADDER OF DIVINE ASCENT really is spiritually a step over our heads. Besides it was written by a monk and for monks, not really for the average parishioner. Archimandrite Vassilios brings the book down from heaven to earth and makes its themes accessible to our daily lives in the 21st Century. Those who like the depth of THE LADDER will find it perhaps too much on a popular level, but for many parishioners it will be a good introduction to this literature and a challenge as to how to live the faith daily...more

A really good book, filled with many profound gems of wisdom. Readers will find that this book provides an examination of one's self, and is a way to see exactly where one stands in their relationship with God, as well as how to make improvements on their spiritual journey. Although written from an Orthodox perspective, Christians from most denominations can take away some valuable lessons from reading this book.

This book is a great way to get introduced to John Climacus' 'Ladder of Divine Ascent'. The book is about taking a personal inventory and letting go of unhealthy attitudes and attachments while simultaneously replacing them with healthy thought patterns and virtues. It does a great job analyzing both spiritual sickness and health. The only thing it lacks on a bit is the 'how'of transition/transformation, though it does touch on it in some areas more than others.

I was first attracted to this book because of the way the type was set up - double spaced! Really easy on the eyes plus lots of room for notes. Father Papavassiliou writes in such a clear fashion. I read this during Lent and was inspired to spend more time in prayer in a disciplined fashion. He makes the Ladder of St. John understandable.

Holy Smokes! Since this is about making progress in our spiritual lives, and because I'm not sure that I will ever make it past step one, when will I finish this book? I keep re-reading chapters one and two, and have peeked at chapter three, but goodness, I have work to do.